How to Grow and Care for Cockscombs

The plumed cockscomb is a bright plant with recognizable red, pink, or purple flowers. It grows best in warm, tropical environments. Occasionally, plumed cockscomb is used as an ingredient in soap. In China and India, however, the plant is considered a pesky weed that reduces biodiversity.

Cock's comb (Celosia cristata) is a crested flowering plant native to India. The plant is named for its blossom, which resembles the head of a rooster. Cock's comb is susceptible to fungal diseases.

Plumed cockscomb 'Flamingo Feather' sports light pink blooms, a striking contrast when compared to its parent plant, Celosia argentea, which produces bright red flowers. This cultivar is also much taller than its parent, sometimes growing to two meters tall. When you look at this plant's blooms, the name "Flamingo Feather" makes perfect sense.

Cockscomb 'Deep Purple' is a cockscomb variant named after its brilliant violet flowers, which are quite distinct from the paler and more variegated flowers of its parent plant. These spectacular brush-like upright flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, thriving under bright sunlight in well-drained soil.

The first-ever winner of the All America Selections Award, plumed cockscomb 'Asian Garden' is known for its color-changing spikes of purple-to-pink flowers. A hybrid of cockscomb varieties, this cultivar was named by its Japanese breeder Murakami Seed to promote its beauty in Asian gardens. Plumed cockscomb 'Asian Garden' is very popular for its distinct colors, stunningly tall height, and appeal to birds and butterflies.